"Luca Luciano is a noted Italian clarinettist and composer who now makes his home in London, having developed an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso around the UK and overseas via recordings and concert hall appearances" (Musician Magazine)

Xeric winner Gary Scott Beatty's "Jazz: The Tiki Room" fiction is featured in the free online magazine MuskegonOnline.NET this month only.  

Beppe Di Benedetto is a trombone player, composer and arranger born in Italy. Beppe's passion for music began at the age of 12 when one day his father came home with a strange black suitcase in his hand. Inside was a shiny instrument. His constant curiosity in capturing the secret language of music has accorded Beppe many opportunities in sharing the stage with such famous musicians as Eumir Deotado, Solomon Burke, Bob Mintzer, Paul Anka, Burt Bacharach, Mario Biondi, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Hengel Gualdi, Jovanotti, Antonella Ruggero, Fabrizio Bosso, Lorenzo Tucci, Daniele Scannapieco, Giovanni Amato, Claudio Filippini, Andrea Tofanelli, Massimo Manzi, Ellade Bandini, Christian Meyer, Michael Rosen, Ernesstico, Mark Harris, Luca Mannutza, Tullio De Piscopo and many more.  

The Bad Plus and the Esbjörn Svensson Trio, a few years ago, blew the walls down when it came to how modern musical elements could be fused into jazz and still be true to the history and culture of America’s classical music. Traveling down that same road comes E.S.P. The best way to think of this group is cool jazz meets groove. Their hip swinging lines are fused with an emphasis on the beat and their melodies are just cool enough to have been composed back in the 1950s. The result is some of the freshest new jazz heard since the Rippingtons’ earliest recordings and Gamalon’s rocking Western New York jazz music.

The newly released Rae Ann Perez CD "Midnight In Paris" has hit the scene. A fresh take, it showcases Rae Ann Perez abilities as a fluent songwriter, pianist and vocalist. The eight originals and four expertly arranged favorites are " world jazz" music with touches of classic standards, funk, and highly influenced Latin sounds and grooves.  

Although she didn’t play Newport or London, multiplatinum chanteuse Basia delighted American audiences from coast to coast during a successful 20-city concert tour that concluded in Seattle last week (October 5) with a sold-out show in support of her newly released From Newport to London: Greatest Hits Live…And More album. The month-long trek that visited major U.S. cities also registered sell-outs in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Sacramento and San Juan Capistrano.

A contemporary jazz giant whose power and passion have made the soulful saxophonist into one of the genre’s most consistent chart-toppers in the 25 years since he released his solo debut, Richard Elliot salutes the instrumental jazz-funk legends from his formative years in the 1970s & 80s that influenced his brand of music on In The Zone, which was released today by Artistry Music (Mack Avenue Records). Elliot wrote and produced his 16th solo album with fusion pioneer Jeff Lorber.  

Upcoming masterclasses in Tuscia, Italy by Tuscia In Jazz.  

Time for something new. The new Rae Ann Perez CD "Midnight In Paris" has its official release date on October 7th and will be available on CD baby, Amazon, iTunes and more. A new term "World Jazz", is what best describes the 12 song release of Rae Ann's 8 originals compositions and 4 modernized jazz classics. The style is a multi genre mix that includes unique blends of latin, jazz standards, modern cool jazz, funk, and world music with exciting rhythms. Rae Ann leads the way with creative piano melody improvs accompanied by sweet and cool vocals.

A few years ago, good friends Jason Countryman and Steve Slater sat down for a cup of coffee. Conversation turned to music, as it usually did for these professional musicians, but more specifically the conversation was about jazz and writing original jazz tunes. Steve and Jason had had many conversations about music, but this one had a direction, purpose and an outcome. This conversation was going to result in something. Something neither of them had ever done before. After the coffee was gone and the words had been exchanged, they had a band name, Park St. Trio, and they had a plan... Write original jazz music for people who like good melodies and songs, make an album.

Park St. Trio, is not usually a trio...

"Sketches" is Azerbaijan-born pianist Amina Figarova 11th recording as a leader: she's been creating high-quality modern mainstream jazz since the mid-1990s.

Louise Clare Marshall Returns to Delight the Stompin' Crowds   Jools Holland singer, Louise Clare Marshall, is making a return visit to Stompin on the Quomps, Christchurch's popular, al fresco, smooth jazz event. Louise will be performing with local band Not Just Sax. The live event takes place on Christchurch Quay on Saturday 6 August from 12 noon until 10pm and has five professional bands performing throughout the day along with other entertainment. Internationally renowned, Louise Clare Marshall has worked with many of the most famous names in the music business, including: Robbie Williams, Bryan Ferry, Ronnie Wood, Lulu, Van Morrison, Madeline Bell, Sheila Ferguson, Ruby Turner, Sam Brown, and many more. Following her Stompin' performance, Louise will dash to join Jools Holland and his Rhythm Orchestra for an evening concert. Organisers have again been able to keep free entry to this community event, thanks to generous support from local businesses, though donations are sought throughout the day. The music begins at noon and the line up will include Lemon Grove, Dutch band, Bazar Bazaar, The Baddest Blues Band Ever plus Not Just Sax with Louise Clare Marshall As ever, the popular Taverners Big Band will complete the line up. Between acts entertainment will be provided by members of the Swish of the Curtain Theatre School and the Funky Little Choir. Event organiser, Adrian Dwyer, said: "We know that Louise thoroughly enjoyed performing at Stompin last year and are thrilled that she wants to once again join an impressive line up of professional jazz musicians. Our event offers the best in professional jazz music and we are proud that we can do this without an entry charge, though we do ask for donations on the day. Last year's event was one of the best ever and we estimate that up to 5,000 enjoyed the music and atmosphere. We hope to see as many people as possible, from families to nonagenarian grandparents picnicking, dancing and soaking up the Stompin' atmosphere." A souvenir programme is being produced and will be available from the Christchurch Information Centre, The Regent Centre, and the Captain's Club Hotel and at the event itself. Details can also be found on the website: www.stompin.org or by calling Christchurch Information Centre on 01202 471780. END CONTACT: Julie Ratcliffe, Julie Ratcliffe Public Relations - 01202 471097 or 07936 554222 IMAGES There are excellent images of Stompin' available at www.stompin.org; however if these are used please acknowledge Andy Cahill. Please contact if higher resolution required. Images of Louise Claire Marshall : http://www.louiseclaremarshall.com/

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